Marine Conservation Philippines

Marine Conservation Philippines exists to build the local capacity, knowledge, and partnerships needed to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

We work to equip coastal communities, government institutions, and conservation practitioners with the skills, data, and tools required to manage and protect their own marine resources effectively. By strengthening local leadership and fostering collaboration across sectors, we aim to ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable, scalable, and rooted in long-term stewardship.

Through this approach, our mission is to help create resilient coastal systems where people and marine environments can thrive together.

We envision a future where healthy marine ecosystems support thriving coastal communities, and where conservation is driven by empowered local stakeholders working in partnership with global actors.

We believe that protecting the ocean is not just an environmental issue—it is a human, economic, and global responsibility. By combining science, community engagement, and collaboration, we are building scalable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today.

Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP) is a registered, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring coastal and marine ecosystems in one of the most biodiverse—and most threatened—marine regions on Earth. Established in 2015 and registered with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, MCP works at the intersection of science, community engagement, and capacity building to create lasting, locally driven conservation outcomes. Our mission is simple but urgent: to use science to understand the pressures facing marine ecosystems and to empower people to address them, ensuring a sustainable future for both communities and the ocean. What We Do

We design and implement practical, field-based conservation programs that deliver measurable impact. Our core areas of work include:

• Scientific marine monitoring – conducting thousands of underwater surveys to assess reef health and guide evidence-based management
• Marine Protected Area (MPA) development – supporting local governments in establishing, improving, and enforcing MPAs
• Community engagement & education – working directly with fisherfolk, youth, and schools to build long-term stewardship
• Plastic pollution reduction – removing millions of pieces of marine debris while addressing root causes
• Mangrove restoration & coastal resilience – rebuilding critical habitats that protect coastlines and support livelihoods

Our approach ensures that conservation is not imposed—but co-created with the communities who depend on these ecosystems.

Our Impact

MCP is a results-driven organization focused on tangible outcomes. In recent years, our work has contributed to:

• Millions of pieces of ocean plastic removed annually
• Thousands of reef monitoring dives completed
• Government dive teams trained in scientific survey methods
• Mangrove forests restored and protected
• Environmental education delivered to schools and communities

These efforts directly support food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal populations in the Philippines.

How We Work

We believe that lasting conservation requires local ownership and strong institutions. That’s why we focus on:

• Capacity building – training local government units, agencies, and community members to lead conservation efforts themselves
• Science-based decision making – ensuring policies and interventions are grounded in reliable data
• Cross-sector collaboration – partnering with NGOs, academic institutions, and responsible businesses
• Transparency and accountability – operating as an audited non-profit with a commitment to measurable impact

Partnerships & CSR

We actively collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to environmental sustainability. Our CSR partnerships go beyond funding—often integrating employee engagement, education, and co-created impact initiatives that align business goals with meaningful conservation outcomes.

We welcome partnerships that aim to deliver real, measurable environmental and social returns, particularly in areas such as ocean health, climate action, and community resilience.

Volunteer & Professional Engagement

MCP brings together a global network of marine scientists, educators, divers, and conservationists. Our programs provide hands-on opportunities for individuals to:

• Gain experience in scientific diving and marine research
• Contribute directly to conservation outcomes in the field
• Work alongside experienced professionals and local stakeholders
• Develop skills that support careers in conservation, science, and sustainability

We are committed to ensuring that volunteer contributions are meaningful, ethical, and impactful, avoiding “voluntourism” in favor of real conservation work.